Base FWD 4-Dr Sport Utility V6 auto trans

2013 lexus rx350 Reviews and News

The 2013 Lexus RX 350 isn't the biggest luxury sport-utility vehicle on the market. It's not the fastest, or the sexiest, or the most practical. It's not the newest, certainly, and it doesn't carry the most cachet. But the Lexus RX is the one that effectively created the luxury SUV segment when it debuted in 1998. And three-and-a-half model generations later, it remains not only the best seller in the class but also the standard by which its rivals are measured.

Still, being at the front of the pack means you're always worried about who's in your rear-view mirror. During the past decade, all four German manufacturers have unveiled high-end sport-utes that sought to poach sales from the RX. More recently and closer to home, the impressively overhauled Acura MDX has emerged as a worthy challenger for leadership of the category. So for 2013, even though it wasn't time for a model redesign, Lexus raised its game.

The most visible upgrade was cosmetic: The 2013 Lexus RX now sports the "spindle" grill that graces all current Lexus models. But Lexus also aimed at broadening the appeal of the sport-ute -- especially to men -- by punching up its performance. So the 2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport features sharper-edged suspension tuning and an eight-speed automatic transmission along with boy-racer touches such as paddle shifters, aluminum pedal covers and bigger wheels.

Although the Lexus brand has been a huge success ever since Toyota created it in 1989, the luxury-car division has always been dogged by criticism -- largely justified -- that its products tended to be bland, if not boring. In recent years, Lexus has responded to its critics with a series of performance-oriented vehicles, most notably the muy macho IS F sports sedan in 2008 and the 552-horsepower limited-edition LFA supercar two years later.

Lexus now has a portfolio of so-called F Sport models that includes the IS 250/350, IS 250/350C, GS 350, LS 460, CT 200h and RX 350. The goal of the F Sport treatments, says Lexus vice president of marketing Brian Smith, is to "dial up a higher degree of driver engagement." It's no coincidence that men buy 68 percent of the F Sports models. And considering that women account for more than half of all RX sales, the SUV was clearly ripe for an F Sport makeover.

In standard and F Sport form, the 2013 Lexus RX is a handsome, upright two-row sport-utility vehicle that's perfect for small families and aspirational real estate agents. It's powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. With 4,510 pounds to motivate, F Sport performance is mild rather than wild, but the engine is creamy, quiet and perfectly adequate.

While the standard RX can be ordered with front-wheel drive, the F Sport is offered only with all-wheel drive. Another upgrade is found in the transmission department, where the standard six-speed has been supplanted by an eight-speed automatic -- with paddle shifts, no less, though it's hard to imagine anybody using them. The two extra gears have little appreciable effect on performance, but they improve fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon.

The 2013 Lexus RX F Sport is equipped with what Lexus describes as "front and rear performance dampers," as well as larger 19-inch wheels, lower-profile 235/55 tires and a recalibrated stability control system. Still, it's difficult to discern much of a difference in ride quality or an improvement in cornering. This isn't necessarily a knock against the RX, which isn't likely to be pressed into track-day duty under any foreseeable circumstances. But it makes the F Sport seem more like a top-of-the-line trim level rather than a separate model.

That said, the 2013Lexus RX F Sport LOOKS noticeably sexier than the standard model. The tasteful and comfortable interior -- black with chrome accents -- is spruced up with white perforation holes in the leather-trimmed seats, lots of white contrast stitching, a black headliner, aluminum pedal covers shiny enough to impress any fan of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise and a unique front bumper. Bigger wheels don't hurt either.

The F Sport is priced at a healthy premium of $6,290 over the base price of the RX -- $41,160, plus a $910 destination fee. But even the entry-level model comes nicely equipped with a nine-speaker audio system, six-CD in-dash music unit, Bluetooth capability and USB/iPod ports. A navigation system featuring a seven-inch screen and excellent software is available. Other options include a Mark Levinson audio system with 15 speakers and a DVD player.

Boldly redesigned, the 2013 Lexus RX350 refines the luxurious experience Lexus has been offering its customers for years and gives exactly what is expected from a Lexus. It is a positive effort on behalf of the auto manufacturer to revamp and restyle its visual brand identity. Its sporty appearance comes with a promise of durability, and pleasure of driving a luxury vehicle. For those who desire the cargo capacity and ride height of a sport utility vehicle and yet require the finer luxury and comfort of a sedan, this vehicle is the answer. The RX350 has eye-catching exterior styling and a plush smooth ride with promising fuel economy. This crossover provides a variety of new features both on the exterior and the interior compared to its predecessors.

New For 2013

An F Sport model is new. In addition to its firmer suspension, shift paddles, and standard all-wheel drive, it gets an eight-speed automatic and a more-aggressive-looking front end. All RX models get a bit of a nose job this year to accommodate the brand’s new ?spindle? grille. The cabin is revised, along with some options packages.

Exterior

With its aggressive-looking headlamps and bulging front bumper and a shoulder line that runs along the side of the car from the front headlamps to the taillights, the 2013 Lexus RX350 sets a domineering presence on the road. Its outstanding design is both aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing. Its 18-inch alloy wheels just add to the magnificence of this vehicle. The new RX350 stands tall at 66.7 inches, and measures 187.8 and 74.2 inches in overall length and width respectively. Ground clearance measures 7.3 inches. The use of a power liftgate seems futile; however it could be quite useful for shorter people who often find it difficult to close the hatch of the RX350 once it has been opened. Customers have an option of purchasing different trim levels, which include the all-wheel drive, front drive, or the RX350 sport.

Interior & Cargo

The interior of the new Lexus RX350 is exquisitely modern. It drips with technology and gadgets, and yet is absolutely stunning to look at. Inside the cabin, a multifunction control for the navigation system is easy and very intuitive to use. Cup holders and the storage space in the center console are illuminated. Keyless ignition and entry, a power tilt-and-telescoping three-spoke steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control are just some of the many features of the RX350. Black leather, heated and cooled, perforated seats are exceptionally comfy for the rear passengers as they are for the front passengers. A navigation screen in front and two screens for rear passengers let occupants enjoy their DVD entertainment system while on the road. There is 40 cubic feet of cargo capacity just for groceries behind the seats, and a total of 80.3 cubic feet cargo space in all. Apart from the cargo inside the vehicle, it can hold cargo of up to 3500 pounds. As in the previous models, the RX350 is still a five-passenger vehicle, and unfortunately a third row of seats is not an option. This is the price to pay when opting for a crossover vehicle.

Safety

The RX350 has a reinforced body, with structural reinforcements, as well as rear and front crumple zones. In case of low-velocity rear-end collisions, active front headrests rise diagonally upward and forward which aids in restricting the movement of the head relative to the spine. Large 12.9- and 12.2-inch front and rear brake discs provide solid braking power when needed. These anti-lock brakes incorporated with brake assist help drivers avoid accidents by reducing the stopping time and improving handling and control, even if the driver does not apply enough pressure on the brake pedal. An accurate and precise tire-pressure monitoring system constantly checks the tire pressure in each tire and then, if required, notifies the driver right on the screen. The 2013 Lexus RX350 uses radar technology to identify vehicles in the blind spot when changing lanes and an illuminated icon in the side mirror notifies the driver. The Pre-Collision System of the Lexus RX350 uses a radar sensor that continually monitors the closing speed and distance of another vehicle ahead. If the system determines that a collision is inevitable, the Pre-Collision System retracts the seat belts and prepares the brake-assist for a collision. The RX350 comprises of side airbags that deploy, upon collision, like a curtain along the side of the cabin interior, keeping front and rear passengers completely safe. When it comes to safety, the RX350 leaves no room for error.

Driving Experience

Under the hood, the 2013 Lexus RX350 comes with a powerful, 3.5-liter, V-6 engine which produces 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, giving it enough power to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which is actually quite impressive for luxury crossovers of this size. Apart from the power, Lexus is known for its luxury inside the passenger cabin and the silky smooth ride that comes with it. This is possibly due to the six-speed automatic transmission with sequential gearshift. This combined with the engine and transmission, gas-pressurized shock absorbers, and stabilizer bar, all deliver a plush ride expected from any luxury vehicle. The brakes feel strong and have tremendous braking power, while there is ample acceleration to speed out of corners.

Key Competitors For The 2013 Lexus RX350

Acura RDX

Lincoln MKZ

Volvo XC90

Rating

With the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently upgrading its crash testing and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration thinking of doing the same, crash test results are on people's minds. With more than 60 crossovers already on sale – and at least another half dozen coming in the next twelve months – the not-an-SUV, not-a-car, not-a-wagon segment is being closely watched by customers and manufacturers alike.

Toyota is investing $100 million to expand its Cambridge, Ontario assembly plant to increase production numbers for the 2013 Lexus RX crossover. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) expects the new investment to add some 400 jobs by the time the expansion is complete in early 2014.

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Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Summary

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.

Consequences

If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Potential Units Affected

261,114

Notes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

Summary

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.

Consequences

If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.